Donald Trump has dramatically reduced the size of two national monuments in Utah, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, held sacred by Native American tribes. The move cuts nearly 1.5 million acres from each monument, reversing protections established by former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Trump signed an executive order on Monday, stating, “We’re giving it back to the people,” while environmental advocates and tribal leaders condemn the decision as a gift to corporate developers and the oil and gas industry.
What Are Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante?
Bears Ears National Monument, created by Obama in 2016 under the Antiquities Act, spans ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and scenic canyons in southern Utah. Grand Staircase-Escalante, established by Clinton in 1996, covers similar terrain rich in coal and uranium deposits. Both sites are culturally significant to tribes like the Navajo, Ute, and Hopi, who use them for ceremonies and as ancestral homelands.
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Impact of the Monument Downsizing
The reduction opens millions of acres to mining, drilling, and development. State officials, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, argue the original designations exceeded the Antiquities Act’s requirement for the “smallest area possible.” However, Earthjustice and tribal groups vow to challenge the order in court. This marks the second time Trump has shrunk these monuments; his 2017 effort was reversed by the Biden administration.
Comparison: Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante
| Monument | Original Size | Reduced Size | Established By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bears Ears | 1.35 million acres | ~201,000 acres | Barack Obama (2016) |
| Grand Staircase-Escalante | 1.9 million acres | ~1 million acres | Bill Clinton (1996) |
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s executive order cuts nearly 1.5 million acres from each monument.
- The downsizing prioritizes oil, gas, and mining interests over tribal and environmental protections.
- Legal challenges from Earthjustice and tribal representatives are expected.
- This reverses Biden-era protections reinstated in 2021.
Environmental and Tribal Opposition
Environmental groups argue the monuments protect irreplaceable archaeological sites and wildlife habitats. Tribal leaders see the move as a betrayal of federal trust responsibilities. “These lands are our churches, our libraries, and our history,” said a Navajo Nation representative. The Antiquities Act, signed by Theodore Roosevelt, has been used by presidents to conserve public lands for over a century.
FAQ
What is the Antiquities Act?
The Antiquities Act of 1906 gives U.S. presidents the power to designate national monuments on federal lands to protect historic, scientific, or cultural sites.
Why are Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante important?
They contain ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and sacred sites for Native American tribes, along with coal and uranium deposits.
Will this decision be challenged in court?
Yes, Earthjustice and tribal groups have already announced plans to sue, arguing the reduction violates federal law.
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